Beware-deceptively, small toebox defective tread
I wanted to love these. They’re tight on my toes despite their wide appearance. I went backpacking with them and not only did it thrash my toes, but the bottom tread started peeling by the end of the trip. The bottom tread is now completely detached and flaps around when I walk. I can’t believe I did not send these back to the manufacturer. My $200 loss. These are junk. I have since found other hocus that I find more acceptable but these must have been defective from the start.... Show more
Littlemountainstream
originally posted on REI
Caused Pain in the Balls of my feet
I chose this Malfate beecause I liked the colors, pattern and it said good for walking and hiking. I hike with my dogs nearly every day on both blacktop and wooded trails. Sadly by the 3rd week they started to hurt the balls of my feet; and not just during the longs dog walks but for hours afterward. Like real aches that wouldn't quit.So I got a good 3 weeks out of them and now can no longer wear them. They wore out so fas I was stunned. Clearly my old feet need a more cushy Hoka like the Bondi or the Skyflow that I just got and absolutely LOVE... Show more
originally posted on hoka.com
Colors Vary in Toe Box Room/Shoe Laces
I only wear HOKA and I've been wearing HOKA for over 5 years. This is an expensive trail shoe. I had the purple pair before the coral/pink pair both size 7.5. The purple pair ran shorter in length and shoe laces. The coral/pink pair run almost a half size bigger. Shoe laces are longer. When running downhill, you will fill your foot slip forward do to the extra length. I love the coral/pink color and currently thinking about returning them due to the length and seeing if a size down would help. I constantly worry if I am going to slip in them.... Show more
Cait
originally posted on hoka.com
Great kicks for trail runs- but wish they lasted longer
I've been a Hoka evangelist since my first pair of Challengers. Recently I ordered the Mafate. I read a review that they were great hill climbing sneaks. They are! They have rebound and just enough cushion to knock out hard, hilly, rocky rooty miles. I even give the MTB guys a run for their money on the singletrack.The reason for 3 stars is that they break down way too fast. The right sole split before a month was out and was ruined. I run a lot, but none of my other Hokas have had this short of a trail life before they turned into garden kicks.For the hefty price, it's hard to justify replacing them monthly. I guess these would last longer if they were taken on gentle walks, but I expect my trail shoes to work as hard as I do!... Show more
The Long Way
originally posted on hoka.com
Love these
I originally tried the Bondis but couldn't wear them due to feeling like they were too plush for me, and thought Hoka wasn't my brand. Several years later, I did try the Challenger, which felt firmer and I found ok. I've have knee problems from being a college competitive runner way back when and have also had issues with plantar fasciitis. I was watching a YouTube video of a woman hiking the Appalachian trail in these. Since I do much of my walking on trails, I decided to try the Mafate, and I am so glad I did! I just ordered my third pair. I do put a Superfeet orthotic in them. Please don't change these.... Show more
walker
originally posted on hoka.com
Love these!
Bought these for a trip abroad to Scotland and Ireland and absolutely loved them. They had enough traction to support the walks in the nature parks and trails, but also extremely comfortable for walking the streets and taking in the sights. They are also very light for such a supportive shoe which was a huge bonus when trying to keep suitcase under weight limit ☺️. Highly recommend these for anyone who likes to hike, trail run, or just wants the extra traction. Do not recommend wearing on the treadmill due to the extra grip. I did this to test them before going outside just in case and they were very "tacky" to the tread. I used the true size recommender tool and ordered a half size smaller than I normally wear and they fit perfectly.... Show more
Going abroad
originally posted on hoka.com
Mafate Speed 4 is a game changer
I've been a pavement pounder for most of my life but the mountains started calling a handful of years ago. I've tried various trail shoes and they've done the job & done it well, but none of them had me this excited. I signed up for a few longer races this year that had pretty significant vert gain, so went to researching what was out there & getting some attention, coming across these I took the plunge, never have owning a pair of Hoka's prior. First trip out was a 12 miler with 4500 ft of gain; they pulled me up the mtn, stuck to the trail like glue coming down - like hardly any slip...at all, stable footbed, and the cushion was great on the super boney parts. I have a wide foot, bunions and all, and these fit great. Some had suggested going up a size, but I ... MoreI've been a pavement pounder for most of my life but the mountains started calling a handful of years ago. I've tried various trail shoes and they've done the job & done it well, but none of them had me this excited. I signed up for a few longer races this year that had pretty significant vert gain, so went to researching what was out there & getting some attention, coming across these I took the plunge, never have owning a pair of Hoka's prior. First trip out was a 12 miler with 4500 ft of gain; they pulled me up the mtn, stuck to the trail like glue coming down - like hardly any slip...at all, stable footbed, and the cushion was great on the super boney parts. I have a wide foot, bunions and all, and these fit great. Some had suggested going up a size, but I stayed with my 7.5 and found they have plenty of room. These shoes are aggressive, but light weight. I'm a believer & have told everyone I know to buy them!... Show more
Hoka Believer
originally posted on hoka.com
Not for me
I read some good reviews about this shoe and I really wanted it to work for me, but I was quite disappointed. The size 9 regular, which I have used over and over again in other Hoka models felt too roomy overall and particularly in the toe box. I used them for a run / walk in rolling terrain and I didn't feel secure or stable enough. I nearly twisted my ankle a few times. Downhills were particularly bad, with foot sliding back to front and side to side too much, even with using the laces up to the top hole and tightening them up. I don't think sizing down would work. I normally use the Arahis but I needed a trail shoe with better grip, which is why I tried the Mafates, but they just didn't feel secure or stable enough for me.... Show more
Desert rat
originally posted on hoka.com
Vibram mega grip sole.
Third time is charm. A bigger size finally sealed the deal. Usually wear 10 women's. Final choice is an 11. No sign of tightness across top of shoe. The initial pulling of fabric looked like a problematic future to me. I want them for the mega grip sole. 70 year old woman in purple shoes is gonna look kind of crazy. Where I live the winters are pretty wet and want no slippery sole shoes. Of course these are cushy and nice. I have a pair or Gortex Transports which I like but they're not quite as cushy. I love the Clifton 9. Wish they'd put a mega grip sole on them. That vibram mega grip sole is a very much wanted asset to any shoe. Happy here.... Show more
SadieMae
originally posted on hoka.com
Will buy these again for sure!! Awesome trail running shoes!
I LOVE these shoes for trail running!!!! These shoes are very comfortable right out of the box and grippy on all kinds of surfaces. I have a very difficult foot that isn't happy with most shoes, but these worked so well for me. Even though I'm a petite female, I have a wide foot and can easily get neuromas, but these shoes are working extremely well for me. I think that they would still work well for a narrower foot too due to because of the materials and structure of the shoe. Happy running and hiking! :)... Show more
Miss M
originally posted on hoka.com